Associate Degree Nursing, A.A.S.

Associate Degree Nursing

A45110  Total credit hours: 66

The Associate Degree Nursing curriculum provides knowledge, skills, and strategies to integrate safety and quality into nursing care, to practice in a dynamic environment, and to meet individual needs which impact health, quality of life, and achievement of potential.

Course work includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes the nurse as a member of the interdisciplinary team providing safe, individualized care while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics.

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Employment opportunities are vast within the global health care system and may include positions within acute, chronic, extended, industrial, and community health care facilities.

The Associate Degree Nursing program consists of three options: Traditional ADN, Hybrid LPN to ADN, and RIBN. Upon successful completion of this program, the graduate should possess the knowledge, fundamental skill, and attitudes to:

1. Plan holistic nursing care for individuals across the lifespan experiencing complex alterations in health.
2. Provide safe, culturally competent, therapeutic nursing care to individuals.
3. Safely and ethically manage nursing care within the healthcare system for individuals.

Accreditation

The Associate Degree Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., 3343 Peachtree Rd., NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404.975.5000 and approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

DCCC ADN licensure exam pass rate for 2015-2017

Program:  94%; Traditional Option:  97.57%; Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to AD N Option:  89.53%

Program completion for 2015 - 2017

Program:  84.6%; Traditional Option:  70.2%; Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to AD N Option:  93.44%

Job placement rates:

Class of 2016 Traditional Option:  100%

Class of 2016 LPN to ADN Option:  100%

Technical Standards

In addition to DCCC requirements and course objectives, there are professional standards that encompass communication, motor skills, sensory and cognitive ability and professional conduct that are essential for the competent study and practice of nursing. These technical standards are published in the application packet for admission to health programs and the program student handbook. ADN Technical Standards  (PDF)

Probation and Suspension

Nursing students are subject to the same probation and suspension policies as all other students enrolled in the College.  Additional criteria apply to nursing students.

A nursing student may be placed on suspension status from the program for the following reasons:

1. demonstrates behavior which conflicts with safety essential to nursing practice as determined by the nursing faculty;
2. presents physical or emotional problems which conflict with safety essential to nursing practice and does not respond to appropriate treatment and/or counseling within a reasonable period of time; and/or
3. receives a final grade of “D” or “F” in any required course in the ADN curriculum or receives a final clinical evaluation of “Unsatisfactory” in any nursing course.

Since requirements for progression in the nursing program are in addition to the general requirements of the College, a student suspended from the program is not necessarily suspended from the College. Students who are eligible to do so may continue in their supporting courses and apply for readmission to the nursing program at a later time or may elect to change their major.

Criminal Background Check

A criminal background check, drug screen, and up-to-date immunizations are required by the clinical site prior to participation in the clinical component. 

If any clinical facility denies a student’s participation in clinical experiences in that clinical agency, the student will not be able to progress in the program.

Applicants for initial nursing licensure in North Carolina must complete a criminal background check as well.

Admission Requirements

Traditional Option

To be eligible for admission to the Traditional ADN option applicants must:

1. Complete the application process as described in the ADN Traditional Packet.
2. Demonstrate physical and emotional health status compatible with the ability to provide safe nursing care.
3. Complete an approved Nurse Aide I training course consisting of 70 hours of training, which includes 40 hours of clinical instruction and be listed as a Nurse Aide I with no substantiated findings prior to first day of the Fall semester.
4. Be currently certified in Healthcare provider CPR prior to the first day of the Fall semester.

NOTE: Meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee placement into the Associate Degree Nursing program.